Overview
- The German Weather Service has active alerts across hundreds of regions, including orange warnings in parts of the south and west for storm gusts and falling branches.
- Southern highlands are set for significant totals, with up to about 70 centimeters in Alpine upslope areas and 30 to 50 centimeters in the Black Forest, while 20 to 30 centimeters are expected in the Alps through Thursday night.
- A snow band from the Ruhr area to Franconia is forecast on Thursday, with glatteis and localized blitzeis possible where snow turns to rain, especially in Baden‑Württemberg, Bavaria, and parts of NRW and Hesse.
- Travel hazards have already emerged, including a truck crash that closed part of the A2 in Brandenburg, and authorities urge drivers to monitor DWD warnings and adjust plans.
- Model guidance converges on a quick thaw this weekend with widespread double‑digit temperatures, though DWD meteorologists caution the disturbed polar vortex could trigger renewed cold spells into late February or March.